Men as partners in improving the health status of the rural communities

It is a known fact that Haryana is characterized by a male dominated society where most of the decisions are taken by men. The potential benefits of involving men on health and specially reproductive and sexual health issues are immense. This includes, expanded rights for women, improved family health and better communication between partners encouraging joint and informed decision making within households and most importantly creating channels of communication between sexes on issues that have a huge impact on women’s health and well-being.

The project was implemented from April, 2007- May, 2008 in 13 villages of Tauro Block of Mewat District with a project population of 29,000.

The aim of the project was to reduce maternal and child mortality among the project population through provision of mother and child health care interventions. These included promotion of healthy practices, health seeking behaviour through health education, increasing access to quality health services by strengthening the coordination with govt. dept. and convergence.

The project strategy focused on creating mechanisms to ensure greater male participation on women’s health concerns. A salient initiative in this direction was the formation of male and female health groups (Swasthya Samuh) in the community. These health groups played a key role in identifying the health needs and taking action on the ground for seeking health products and services.